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Dual Degree Program Option in Arts and Applied Science

This program offers capable students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Applied Science degree concurrently. Most combinations of Arts (B.A.) and Engineering programs are possible and take a minimum of five Winter Sessions to complete; studies may be extended as necessary. Participation in Co-operative Education (either Arts or Engineering) and Go Global exchange is permitted. Students in the Dual Degree program will not be adjudicated for graduation for one degree before requirements for both are complete.

Both Engineering Student Services and Arts Academic Advising administer the Dual Degree program, with each Faculty overseeing its own admission criteria. Visit the Dual Degree in Arts and Applied Science for program information and to access the application form. Applications are reviewed by both Faculties.

Program Preparation

It is essential that students create a coherent academic plan prior to application, preferably from Year 1. To this end, interested Arts students are encouraged to speak with Arts Academic Advising and to consult the Engineering website as soon as they identify interest in the Dual Degree program. Interested Engineering students are encouraged to speak with Engineering Student Services.

Bachelor of Arts students preparing for admission to the Dual Degree program must complete a year of study in their B.A. program prior to applying. They are advised to focus primarily on completing Arts requirements in their first Winter Session. In addition, the Faculty of Applied Science highly recommends that this year include completion of both MATH 100 and MATH 101. WRDS 150 should also be completed as it is accepted towards the Applied Science English Requirement.

Upon acceptance to the Dual Degree in their second year, students join an Engineering cohort and complete the Year 1 B.A.Sc. Standard Timetable. They remain with this cohort throughout the entire B.A.Sc. program.

Admission

At the time of application, students must be registered in or accepted for admission into one of the two Faculties, and acceptable for admission or transfer into the other Faculty. Application for admission to the Dual Degree program is through Arts Academic Advising (for Arts students), or through Engineering Student Services (for Applied Science students). Applications are accepted annually between February 15 and April 30.

Normally, application for admission will be made toward the end of the student’s first year of study. Admission to the Dual Degree at a later date is also possible, but may delay completion of the program. Applications will not be accepted once the student has gained fourth year standing. The Dual Degree is not open to students with a previous degree.

Acceptance into the program is based on a review of the applicant's transcript and a 500-word personal statement outlining her or his motivation for completing the Dual Degree program, as well as her or his interests and goals in both Arts and Engineering. Students should be aware that admission to all Engineering programs, as well as some specializations in Arts, is competitive and may require a separate application process; admission to the Dual Degree program does not imply future admission to particular specializations. For information about admission requirements for individual specializations, see the Calendar entry or website for the relevant specialization or department.

Requirements

Students admitted to the Dual Degree program must satisfy all degree and specialization/program requirements for each of their degrees. Together, this will normally total over 200 credits, including at least 72 Arts credits. The B.A. may include up to two specializations, although no duplication of area of study between the B.A. and the B.A.Sc. is permitted.

Individual courses may be considered, without limit, to satisfy requirements for both degrees. Students should develop a study plan in conjunction with Academic Advisors in Engineering Student Services and Arts Academic Advising, and should seek academic advising regularly.

Promotion and Continuation

Student records are reviewed separately by each Faculty, according to their own rules, for promotion and continuation requirements. Those who fail to meet continuation requirements for either degree in the Dual Degree program may be permitted to complete the other, single, degree program, provided they meet continuation requirements for it.

In order for a student to qualify for Dean’s List (Arts) or Dean’s Honour List (APSC) standing in the Dual Degree program, each Faculty will calculate the student’s average twice using percentage-graded credits. For the first calculation, the Faculty will use all credits registered under their own degree code, as well as the best credits registered under the other Faculty’s degree code. Together, these must total no fewer than 27 (for the Arts calculation) or 30 (for the APSC calculation) credits, and the average earned must meet the minimum required for Dean’s List/Dean’s Honour List standing in that Faculty’s degree program. If this standard is met, the Faculty will then calculate the student’s average using only those credits registered under their degree code, which must total no fewer than 12 (Arts) or 15 (APSC) credits. If this average also meets the minimum average required for Dean’s List/Dean’s Honour List standing in that degree program, the standing will be awarded. If either of these standards is not met, the standing will not be awarded for that degree. Note that each Faculty awards Dean’s List/Dean’s Honour List standing separately, and it is possible to earn the standing under each degree in a single Winter Session.